Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

MSc Financial Mathematics

Overview

The MSc Financial Mathematics programme provides you with advanced analytical training, quantitative knowledge and the practical skill sets required by modern financial institutions. It aims to equip you with a solid education in financial analysis, risk management and financial engineering for a successful career in the finance and banking industries. It is heavily weighted towards advanced mathematics and programming modules designed with practical applications in mathematical and quantitative finance.

Graduates of this programme, as with all XJTLU masters degrees, earn a University of Liverpool degree that is recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

Why Should I Study Financial Mathematics at XJLTU?

The programme keeps a balance between theoretical and practical knowledge which is crucial for a successful career in the financial industry. Upon successful completion of the programme the students gain important skills in computational and theoretical aspects of finance. They will have extensive experience in working with financial data and with terminals such as the Wind Financial Terminal that provides data on the Chinese market.

Through our industry network and connections we support the students’ career development via internship opportunities and organise various events to improve networking activities with the financial industry. Overall, given the career prospects and skills acquired the programme offers an excellent and unique opportunity for successful candidates.

Knowledge and skills

The MSc Financial Mathematics programme will equip you with:

intellectual skills and theoretical understanding appropriate for the study of financial mathematics and quantitative analysis at postgraduate level

skills in research, evaluation and analysis and the quantitative techniques to evaluate and interpret complex data and research literature

skills and abilities to devise, plan and undertake complex research projects in the field of financial mathematics.

Modules

Core modules:

Computational Methods in Finance I

Introduction to Pricing and Hedging

Financial Econometrics

Fixed Income Securities

Statistical Methods in Finance

Arbitrage, Equilibrium and Pricing

Dissertation

Elective modules:

Portfolio Theory and Risk Management

Computational Methods in Finance II

Advanced Financial Risk Management.

Additional learning activities

The completion of additional learning activities is required to complete your masters degree. Normally, required ALA hours will be distributed evenly across each semester, amounting to 200 hours per semester. Part-time programmes will normally require 100 to 150 hours per semester.

Careers

A postgraduate degree in financial mathematics gives you many employment opportunities in the business world such as in banks, investment firms, insurance companies, consulting services to the financial industry, government regulation agencies and businesses. You could also conduct teaching and research at universities, research institutions or government departments.

Academic Background

English Language Requirements

If English is not your native language or if you have not studied in English at degree level, you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You should normally possess one of the following qualifications:

IELTS: 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in all sections)

TOEFL iBT: 90 (minimum of 21 in any skill)

In exceptional circumstances, individual cases will be considered on their own merits. You may be required to attend interviews or tests to further demonstrate your English proficiency.

If you miss the English language requirements by 0.5-1.0 of an IELTS band, or a similar number for other English language exams, you can be admitted to the programme after successful completion of our five- or eight-week intensive English presessional course.

You can also apply to take the XJTLU English language test in lieu of an IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent. Based on the score, students may be admitted or may be required to take and successfully complete the five- or eight-week intensive English presessional course.

Additionally, students may be required to complete English language courses on a pass/fail basis as part of the additional learning activity requirement during their studies at XJTLU.